If the built-in tools fail, or if you need to recover specific files from an inaccessible VMDK, specialized software is required. VMware VMDK Recovery Tool - DiskInternals
Metrics based on simulated corruption of 50 VMDKs (thin/thick, 10–500 GB). vmware vmdk repair tool
The tool regenerates a .vmdk descriptor using embedded backup metadata (if available) or by scanning extent headers. If the built-in tools fail, or if you
This tool is designed specifically for VMDK corruption scenarios. If the built-in tools fail